See Liberal Judaism’s memorial page for Rosita here.

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Rosita Rosenberg, one of the leading figures in Liberal Judaism for many decades.

Rosita served as Executive Director of Liberal Judaism from 1989-1997, the first woman to ever hold the role.

During that time, she helped to establish many Liberal communities including in Peterborough, Lincolnshire, Norwich, Kent and Herefordshire, as well as The Liberal Synagogue Elstree (then known as Stanmore Liberal Synagogue) of which she became an active member.

Before then, during the 1960s, Rosita managed Liberal Judaism’s Development Committee that also helped to establish communities in Bed-Herts and Kingston.

Her entire life was spent completely immersed in every aspect of Liberal Judaism, including its congregations, events and partner organisations such as Leo Baeck College.

Even after stepping down as Executive Director, Rosita still remained deeply involved – serving as a Vice President of Liberal Judaism and inspiring and supporting many new generations of leaders and members.

She also co-wrote the definitive history of our movement, Liberal Judaism: The First 100 Years, along with Rabbi Lawrence Rigal.

At the Biennial Weekend in 2016, Rosita was presented was presented with a Lifetime Achievement award, acknowledging her insightful mind and deep devotion to Liberal Judaism.

Just this week, she was also honoured in the Jewish News ‘120 over 80’ list, with the paper praising her as “a guiding force of Liberal and Progressive Judaism for many years”.

Liberal Judaism’s current Chief Executive Officer Rabbi Charley Baginsky said: “Rosita was an inspiration, a mentor and a confidante to me and so many others. She was loved by all who knew her and will be deeply missed. Her achievements for Liberal Judaism still stand and inspire to this day.”

Rabbi Pete Tobias, Rosita’s rabbi in Elstree, said: “Rosita has been at the centre of my involvement with Liberal Judaism as far back as the early 1980s. She invited me to set up a 18-30 group in 1991 and I have had the privilege of being her rabbi for the past 18 years. She has been a wonderful presence in my life and I am deeply saddened to be bidding her farewell.”

Rabbi Mark Solomon, who joined Liberal Judaism when Rosita was Executive Director, added: “Her warm, welcoming, down to earth and capable leadership helped make it feel like a true home for me and many others. Her memory is a blessing.”

Rabbi Rebecca Birk and Rabbi Dr René Pfertzel, the Co-Chairs of the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors released a statement saying: “We are deeply saddened at the death of Rosita Rosenberg. Rosita led our movement as its Executive Director for almost ten years, her strong commitment to Liberal Judaism, its history and values guided her always.

“Her distinctive voice and ways of observing communal life is remembered by many of us who became rabbis during her tenure. Liberal Judaism: The First 100 Years, which she co-wrote with Rabbi Lawrence Rigal, captured her optimism and commitment to Liberal Judaism’s progress and strength. It is used by many of us rabbis in our teaching and recommended reading lists.

“We wish Sallie, her daughter a long life and strong heart. Rosita was greatly loved, her legacy has touched many. May her memory be for a blessing. Zichronah l’vracha.”

The funeral will take place on Thursday 11 February 2021 at 11:00. Due to COVID restrictions this is by invite of the family only, but the funeral can be viewed on the TLSE YouTube channel.

In memory of Rosita, and as a means to ensure her legacy continues, and with the support of her family, we are creating a fund in her name to support young people grow and develop into a new generation of Liberal Jewish leaders through their attendance of LJY-Netzer activities.

Click here to donate to the fund, leaving as a message “Rosita Rosenberg LJY Support Fund”, and email montagu@liberaljudaism.org to leave a tribute to Rosita.

Please note that to only pay once via direct debit, simply select “one-off” at the top of the first page.

• A full tribute will appear in the upcoming edition of LJ Today.